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Writing a will gives you the power to decide what will happen to your assets after you’re gone and who will manage your estate as well as nominate a guardian for your children. If you pass away without one, your belongings will be divided according to the laws of your state in a process known as intestate succession. Depending on your situation, your state’s laws may conform to your wishes or your most treasured assets may go to people you barely know, which is why you should learn more about the process below.

Intestate Succession in Hawaii

willsHow assets are divided differs from state to state, but each jurisdiction has different formulas mostly based on the decedent’s familial situation. In Hawaii, the estate of someone who dies without a will is divided equally among their children. If they have no surviving children, their grandchildren will divide the assets equally. In the case of no surviving descendants, their spouse will get one-half of the estate while the other half goes to parents, siblings, or nieces and nephews.

How to Avoid Intestate Succession

Under intestate succession laws, assets are divided without accounting for the quality of the relationships you nurtured in life. No matter how often you’ve expressed your wishes to family and friends, the only way to ensure they’re followed is to write a will. Otherwise, your most valuable belongings will go to relatives from whom you may be estranged or with whom you have no relationship at all. Preparing a will can also prevent bitter legal conflicts over your financial assets and sentimental belongings, which can tear even closely knit families apart.

 

If you’re ready to protect your family and legacy, turn to the skilled estate planning attorneys at Wills and Trusts Hawaii in Honolulu. They have over 30 years of experience helping clients throughout Oahu ensure their wishes are respected with clearly written wills. Visit their website for more on their experience and wide range of services, or call (808) 792-8777 to schedule a free consultation.

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